In Their Own Words

Queen Elizabeth II

Follow Queen Elizabeth II's remarkable life, from her youth to her uncle Edward VIII's stunning abdication, and her father's coronation as King George VI. She defines the role of a modern monarch, leading the Royal Family and her subjects through the challenges of post-war reconstruction, decolonization, conflicts in South Africa, Northern Ireland and The Falklands, and the difficult days after Princess Diana's death.

Opinion

From Library Staff

This PBS DVD features footage of the Queen as she came of age and assumed her royal duties. In addition to her own statements, key figures give historical perspective on significant events during her reign such as the onset of WWII and the end of Britain’s colonial empire.

From the critics

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Interesting PBS series – “In Their Own Word.” This covers Queen Elizabeth II. From her childhood trained by her Father who was forced into the kingship when his brother abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson (whom one of the interviewed British persons called “about as attractive as the back of a bus”) to her romance with Prince Phillip, their marriage and children. She was crowned in 1952 as monarch and has been Britain’s longest ruling monarch in the history of British royalty. This show is only one hour but covers her reign from her days with Winston Churchill to Margaret Thatcher. From the legacy of the British Commonwealth to the independence of those countries and her relation with the likes of Nelson Mandela who was one of the few who would address her by her first name. Also, covers her reaction to the death of Diana, and her concern and interaction with her grandchildren. She has lived through changing and dynamic times and this series portrays her strength and determination. As one commenter mentions – “she is England’s Mum.”